The India tour of Bangladesh, originally planned for August, is now likely to be called off due to the ongoing situation in the country over the past few months, according to sources within the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
BCCI likely to cancel India's tour of Bangladesh (Image Source: Internet)
New Delhi: A significant development has emerged with sources in the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) informing Dynamite News that the highly anticipated India-Bangladesh cricket tour will be suspended following rising security threats in Bangladesh.
An official joint press release from the BCCI and the Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) will follow shortly. The condition in Bangladesh has deteriorated in the wake of domestic turmoil, which has raised serious concerns regarding the safety of Indian players. "This tour is now very unlikely to go ahead. Security is our biggest concern, and we won't take any risk with our players," asserted a BCCI official.
The civil disorder in Bangladesh, particularly since the appointment of Mohammed Yunus as the caretaker advisor to the government, has made the situation volatile. Targeted violence, such as attacks on the Hindu minority population and Awami League politicians, is reported to have risen, reports Dynamite News correspondent.
Extremist organizations such as Jamaat-e-Islami and Bangladesh Mujahideen are reportedly becoming more active. Intelligence reports indicate that Pakistan's ISI is conducting training of radical elements in Bangladesh, some of whom are possibly attempting to infiltrate into India.
The board has been in constant contact with the Government of India, including the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs. Consultation with the Ministry of Sports has also been done about whether the tour is feasible or not.
Economic and Strategic Impact
This suspension also may have economic ramifications on Bangladesh, as these tours tend to generate huge revenue in the form of media rights, tourism, and sponsorships. It is noteworthy that this breakdown in the sale of media rights by the BCB was also regarded as the initial indication that the tour may not materialize.
India-Bangladesh Relations vs. India-Pakistan Stance
While India shares a traditionally friendly cricketing relationship with Bangladesh, the situation is now strained. However, analysts note that this is not equivalent to the India-Pakistan situation, where bilateral cricket ties have been completely frozen since 2012.
The two boards are soon to issue a formal notice that the tour is deferred until things change for the better. Both countries should follow the development closely before they make any long-term commitment.
